Playing Dead

Members of the Detection Club, the most prestigious group of crime writers in the world, celebrate the eightieth birthday of their former president – the original king of cozy crime, Simon Brett – with this stunning collection of all-new short stories.

A long-married crime-writing couple plot murder most horrid, with a jaw-dropping twist . . . A group of school friends dig up a long-buried dark secret . . . A widower joins a local amdram society, with surprisingly dramatic results . . . A deranged fan stalks a celebrated TV personality . . . An online romance turns sour . . . and much, much more.

From police procedurals to the sharpest satire, from historical mystery to dark and twisted chillers, these twenty-two original tales, written by some of Britain’s most remarkable bestselling authors, are essential reading for crime and mystery fans.

Author Biography

The Detection Club is the oldest and most prestigious society of crime writers in the world. Founded in 1930, its presidents include world-renowned authors including Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, G.K. Chesterton, Simon Brett, whom this collection honours, and Martin Edwards, its editor.

All the authors contributing to this short story collection are current members of the society, and have topped bestseller lists, won awards including MBEs, OBEs, Daggers, Anthonys and Edgars, and have seen their detectives appear on radios and TV screens around the world.